How to Stop Dog Aggression: Real Strategies That Work

If your dog often growls, snaps, or bites, it may have an aggression issue. Aggression is a common reason why dog owners consult professional trainers or animal behaviorists. It’s important to note that any breed can exhibit aggression under specific conditions, not just larger dogs or “dangerous breeds.”

While aggression isn’t a problem that can be solved immediately, there are measures you can take to reduce aggressive behavior and help your dog stay calm.

Why Do Dogs Behave Aggressively?

Aggressive behavior in dogs includes any actions related to an actual or potential attack, such as becoming still and rigid, growling, snarling, baring teeth, lunging, nipping, or biting.

The first step in managing this behavior is identifying the cause of your dog’s aggression. For example, some dogs growl when someone approaches while they’re eating or chewing a bone. Others may be aggressive towards children or strangers.

Aggression may not always be directed at people. Some dogs show aggression towards other animals, specific animals (like cats rather than dogs), or even inanimate objects like vehicle wheels or yard equipment.

It’s crucial to understand the reason behind your dog’s behavior before planning modifications. Common types of dog aggression include:

• Territorial aggression: The dog defends its space or your home from what it deems to be an intruder.
• Protective aggression: The dog protects members of its pack against another animal or a person. Mother dogs are also extremely protective of their puppies and may become hostile toward anyone who goes near them.
• Possessive aggression: The dog protects food, chew toys, bones, or another object of value to it. This is sometimes called resource guarding.

• Fear aggression: The dog is fearful and tries to retreat in a scary situation, but then attacks when cornered.
• Defensive aggression: Similar to fear aggression—the dog attacks in defense of something rather than trying to retreat first. These dogs have generally given other, more subtle, indications that they want to be left alone before biting, such as turning their head away.
• Social aggression: The dog reacts aggressively to other dogs in social situations. Dogs that are not socialized properly with other dogs and people may also exhibit aggression.

• Frustration-elicited aggression: The dog behaves aggressively when it’s restricted on a leash or in a fenced yard. When the dog becomes stimulated and can not act on that stimulation, it may act out. Sometimes a dog may become overly excited, such as before a walk and nip its handler.
• Redirected aggression: The dog might become aggressive toward a person who attempts to break up a dog fight. It may also happen when the dog can’t reach the target of its hostility, such as a neighboring dog on the other side of a fence.
• Pain-elicited aggression: The dog shows aggression when it’s injured or in pain.
• Sex-related aggression: Two male dogs or two female dogs become aggressive when vying for the attention of a mate. This applies to intact animals and can be avoided by spaying and neutering dogs.
• Predatory aggression: The dog behaves aggressively without much warning when exhibiting predatory behavior, such as when chasing wildlife. This instinct may become a serious danger when a child is playing chase with the dog. It may start out as an innocent game, but dogs with predatory aggression may quickly turn on and possibly bite the child.

Signs That Your Dog May Become Aggressive

Any dog can develop aggressive behavior, so it’s essential to watch for warning signs like:

• Growling and snapping
• A rigid body and quickly wagging tail
• Lip licking or yawning
• Averting gaze
• Raised fur
• Cowering and tail tucking
• Seeing whites of the eyes

Not all dogs who exhibit this behavior are generally aggressive—many of these warning signs are also an indication of anxiety or fear.

Next Steps

Note when your dog becomes aggressive and the surrounding circumstances. This information is crucial for determining the next steps. Addressing the root cause of aggression is essential, as behavior is merely a symptom. Multiple methods can help you manage aggression and keep your dog calm, but it will require time, consistency, and potentially professional help.

See Your Veterinarian

Dogs that aren’t normally aggressive but suddenly develop aggressive behaviors might have an underlying medical problem. Health problems that may cause aggression include hypothyroidism, painful injuries, and neurological problems such as encephalitis, epilepsy, and brain tumors.

Consult your veterinarian to see if this applies to your dog. Treatment or medication can significantly improve your dog’s behavior.

Dog Aggression Training

If your vet has ruled out a medical problem, it’s time to call in a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. Because aggression is such a serious problem, you shouldn’t attempt to fix it on your own. A professional can help you figure out what’s causing your dog’s aggression and create a plan to manage it.

To find a professional dog trainer or behaviorist, ask your veterinarian for a referral or contact the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Create a Plan

A trainer or behaviorist can help devise the best approach for managing aggression, usually involving positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors.

If your dog is mildly aggressive towards strangers, begin by standing far enough from someone your dog doesn’t know to prevent growling or snapping. Then, reward with treats and praise while gradually reducing the distance between your dog and the stranger, maintaining positive reinforcement.

Ideally, your dog will associate strangers with treats, reducing aggression. This method can help your dog acclimate to various other situations.

Avoid Punishment

Punishing aggressive behavior often backfires and can intensify aggression. Responding to a growling dog with hitting, yelling, or other aversive methods might cause the dog to bite in self-defense.

Punishment can lead to your dog biting without warning. For example, a dog growling at children signals discomfort. If punished for growling, the dog might not warn you next time and may bite instead.

Consider Medication

In some cases, training alone isn’t sufficient; aggressive dogs may need medication. Dogs experiencing fear, stress, or anxiety cannot learn effectively. Medication can be a temporary tool to address these issues. Discuss options with your veterinarian.

Handle Unavoidable Situations

Lastly, consider whether your lifestyle can accommodate the plan. For example, if your dog is aggressive towards children and you have kids, it may be challenging to avoid triggering situations. In such cases, rehoming the dog with adults might be the best solution.